Conduction Energy Band for Intrinsic Silicon

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on calculating the conduction band energy level (E_c) for intrinsic silicon at room temperature (T = 300K). The relevant equation provided is E_c = E_g + \frac {\hbar^2 k^2}{2m_e}, with E_g specified as 1.12 eV. Participants clarify that the Fermi energy (E_f) for intrinsic silicon is located at the midpoint of the band gap, leading to the relationship E_c - E_f = E_g/2. The conversation emphasizes the need for understanding the conduction band and Fermi level in the context of semiconductor physics.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of semiconductor physics, specifically intrinsic silicon properties
  • Familiarity with energy band theory, including conduction and valence bands
  • Knowledge of statistical mechanics as it applies to electron density calculations
  • Proficiency in using equations involving Planck's constant (h), Boltzmann's constant (k), and effective mass (m_e)
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the linear combination of atomic orbitals (LCAO) technique for band structure calculations
  • Study the derivation and application of the equation for electron density in semiconductors
  • Explore tables or resources that provide values for conduction band energy levels in various materials
  • Investigate the effects of temperature on semiconductor properties and energy band calculations
USEFUL FOR

Students and professionals in materials science, electrical engineering, and semiconductor physics who are involved in the analysis and calculation of energy bands in intrinsic semiconductors.

Corneo
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I am trying to find a way to calculate the Ec for intrinsic silicon at room temperature. I can't seem to find anything in my textbook for that. I have searched on line and the closest thing I can find is

E_c = E_g + \frac {\hbar^2 k^2}{2m_e}

I know what Eg = 1.12 eV for intrinsic silicon at room temp. However is there another way? Possibly a table or CRC?
 
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Corneo said:
I am trying to find a way to calculate the Ec for intrinsic silicon at room temperature. I can't seem to find anything in my textbook for that. I have searched on line and the closest thing I can find is

E_c = E_g + \frac {\hbar^2 k^2}{2m_e}

I know what Eg = 1.12 eV for intrinsic silicon at room temp. However is there another way? Possibly a table or CRC?

Er... I don't quite understand what exactly it is what you want to do. Do you want to find the band width of the conduction band up to the vacuum level? Or do you want to "calculate" the band structure of silicon in particular? The latter isn't trivial, and will require something such as a linear combination of atomic orbital (lcao) technique.

Zz.
 
Sorry if I wasn't clear. Perhaps I should stake it like so.
I wish to calculate the electron density in the conduction band for intrinsic silicon at T = 300K.
The formula I found is
n = N_c exp\left [ -\frac {E_c - Ef}{kT}\right] \text { with } N_c = 2 \left( \frac {2 \pi m_e kT}{h^2}\right)^{3/2}

But I don't know what Ec nor Ef is. How can I find out?
 
Corneo said:
Sorry if I wasn't clear. Perhaps I should stake it like so.
I wish to calculate the electron density in the conduction band for intrinsic silicon at T = 300K.
The formula I found is
n = N_c exp\left [ -\frac {E_c - Ef}{kT}\right] \text { with } N_c = 2 \left( \frac {2 \pi m_e kT}{h^2}\right)^{3/2}

But I don't know what Ec nor Ef is. How can I find out?

In an intrinsic semiconductor, Ef is the fermi energy and sits right in the middle of the band gap. Ec and Ev are the energy of the bottom of the conduction band and the energy of the top of the valence band, respectively.

This means that Ec - Ev = Egap. It also means that since Ef is right in the middle of the gap, Ec - Ef = Egap/2

[sorry, too lazy to do LaTex]

Zz.
 

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